My Celiac Journey: The Beginning

When I was first diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I felt completely overwhelmed. How could something that wasn’t even obvious cause so much harm? I wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or devastated. On one hand, I finally had an answer to years of unexplained fatigue, stomach troubles, and brain fog. On the other hand, the realisation of how I had been living my life sunk in—I was not living, I was surviving.

This was the beginning of when the life I knew would never be the same again.

With time, I began to find small ways to cope. At first, it felt exhausting—reading labels twice, asking endless questions at restaurants, preparing in ways others never had to think about. But behind those actions was something bigger: a return of control. Each careful choice became a reminder that I could protect my health, that I deserved to feel well.

I used to feel guilty for being the person who asked too many questions or double-checked everything. Now, I remind myself: this isn’t an inconvenience, it’s self-preservation. And in that shift, I found self-compassion.

At home, what first seemed like overkill soon turned into comfort. The routines I built, the boundaries I set, the safe space I created—these weren’t restrictions. They were acts of care, proof that I was finally treating my body with the respect it had always needed.

Living with Celiac Disease isn’t easy, but it has taught me resilience, patience, and the value of slowing down. It has taught me that safety can feel like freedom, and preparation can bring peace of mind.

Some days still feel frustrating. But there’s also a quiet strength in knowing that I am no longer just surviving—I am learning how to truly live. And perhaps the greatest discovery of all is this: sharing my journey doesn’t just heal me, it helps those I love too.

If you’re newly diagnosed, please know you are not alone. Together, with awareness and understanding, we can support each other through the journey.